Solving the Homeless Problem

by: Brian Benitez and Stephanie Hernandez

Why can't Dallas work together to solve its homeless problem?

With well-meaning folks trying for so long t get the city's homeless off the streets and into decent shelter, why are we still failing? After a new audit in late 2017, pointed out holes in Dallas' supposed safety net, concerned community leaders spent days trying to find answers in the fight against homelessness. Most researchers came up with nothing but more questions.

During the winter months, our city's growing homeless population became more vulnerable while the rest of us allowed politics and finger-pointing to become more important than problem-solving. The number of people sleeping on the streets across parts of North Texas continues to grow, according to the results of the annual homeless "point-in-time" count, which took place in January.

The Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance presented the count's findings at its State of the Homeless Address. It found overall homelessness - which includes everyone on the street, in emergency shelters, safe havens and transitional housing - has increased over the past year by 9 percent. That means there are 4,140 people on any given night in Dallas and Collin counties who don't have a stable place to live. Of that population, the number of people who have no housing at all and sleep outside spiked for another year - this time by 23 percent from 1,087 in 2017 to 1,341 people. The growth is part of an ongoing trend in Dallas that continues to see unsheltered homelessness increase annually.

Homeless Volunteer Opportunities

1. Homeless Outreach with SoupMobile 2423 Good Latimer Dallas, Texas 75215

2. Meaningful Miles Sk/10k Race Trinity Groves Dallas, Texas 75212

3. Volunteer Advocate with Lone Star CASA, Inc. Rockwall, Texas 75087

4. Women Mentors/Women Volunteers with Diamonds of Distinction Grand Prairie, TX 75054

5. Adult Basic Literacy Study Buddy with Dallas Public Library 1515 Young Street Dallas, TX 75201